Iranian newspapers report that a man has been hanged in the southern Iranian town of Minab on charges of drug smuggling.

The man, who was executed on July 30, was identified only by the initials H.D.

The report in the "Kayhan" newspaper did not say whether the execution was carried out in public.

The latest hanging brings to 173 the number of executions reported in Iran so far this year, according to media and official reports.

Iranian media reported 179 hangings last year, but international human rights groups say the actual number was much higher -- ranking the Islamic republic second only to China in the number of people it executed.

Tehran says the death penalty is essential to maintain law and order in Iran.

Murder, rape, armed robbery, drug trafficking and adultery are among the crimes punishable by death in Iran.